Returning for good after landing previously
 

We are planning on moving to Toronto from the UK, having previously landed in Vancouver in 2010. We explained our plan when we landed and realised we wouldn't be able to obtain a PR card without a permanent address. At the time, the immigration officer told us that when we return to Canada, we should take our IMM 5292 to a Service Canada office near wherever we end up to get the PR card sorted.

We have friends in the same situation but they were told by their officer that they had to apply for a travel document (IMM 5524) when they return to Canada. We were not told this.....is it obligatory to do this?

Anybody out there been in this situation? Can you help please?

Many thanks :)

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

As long as you have your original landing documents in your passport you dont need anything else...expect a bit of a grilling at immigration as to why you have no PR card...other than that its all you need in my experience.

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Thanks.....but you refer to being 'grilled'.....it couldn't be that there may be one immigration officer that may say 'on the next plane home matey', is there?

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Hi Dotty
I,ve re entered Canada several times from the UK before I had my PR card you will be fine although once you have your PR card in hand it's always advisable to carry it when travelling but if you don,t have it as yet you,ll have to travel without it, the border officer may ask where you are going etc but your fully entitled to enter as you have PR just be polite and answer all questions and have details of where you are going and staying in case they ask.
You can also enter Canada on a two way flight ticket from the UK and via this route you don,t even have to mention PR or anything unless asked and once in Canada and have your PR card you will be fine but you,ll be paying for a return ticket you may not need this can sometimes be cheaper than a one way ticket once the supplement has been added so may be worth checking.
Remember to show the border officer your COPR if required but never let any official/officer who ever they are take the COPR document from you and keep it. This document is yours and you need to keep it even when you have your PR card. This advice was given to me directly from a CIC officer explaining recent cases where PR residents had their COPR document wrongly removed from their passport and taken.
All the best

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Thanks so much Joinerboy. A couple of questions though. Is the point to show the proof of residency document with your passport so the passport doesn't get stamped with 'visitor'? Also, do we go through regular passport control or through the immigration section?

Thanks again!

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

I only went via immigration section of border control when I initially 'landed'
and activated my PR status. Like I mentioned once you have your PR card it's advisable to always have to hand when traveling outside Canada if you intend to return to Canada.

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Thanks peops, OH is a still a bit nervous about it though :unsure:

Let's hope we don't get sent back on the next plane back to the UK :eek:

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Help!

Could someone please clarify the following for me:

1. I have a permanent residence visa which I will be using to land in Canada in April. Is there a website I need to go to on landing to get a PR (Permanent Residence) Card?

2. I bought a return ticket, since as Joinerboy says, it works out cheaper. I also planned to visit in the summer for a few weeks. Is there a specific form I need to fill in when returning from London to Canada?

3. Lastly, I am aware of the goods accompanying and to follow rules. However, what is the position if I bring further goods with me on the return to Canada? Do I need to take that list with me and present to customs when first arriving in April or can I bring it with me on my return or, even worse, is it not allowed?:confused:

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

When you land, they will ask for an address to send your PR card to and you will receive it in the post, there is no website to go to.

There is no special form to fill in. Providing you have your PR Card you just show that and you will be fine.

On your goods to follow list, you should put all the goods you plan to bring to Canada. There is no time limmit on bringing in those goods. If it is not on the list, there are duties you will have to pay.

When I came, I put everything there was the slightest chance of me bringing on the list.

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Great re the PR card - one thing I don't have to do then!

If in doubt list everything - got it!:thumbsup:

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

if you dont have a PR card i guarantee they will send you through immigration to check your status.

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

My direct experience having re entered Canada on 4 different occasions before I had my PR card to hand was not as you indicate above. The officer looked at my COPR document contained in my passport if she/her required clarification of my status.
I'd be interested to hear if others have had go through the immigration section if the have 'landed status' but do not have a PR card to hand because it's not been received yet.

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Basically this will happen or should do

You will be referred to Immigration on landing. CBSA will check your status to see if you meet or will meet the 730 day residency requirement.
You can apply for a PR card using this link
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...sp#apply_first
Burgers are grilled, PRs are questioned;)

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

I entered twice without my PR card and was sent to immigration both times..in fact i get sent through immigration even with my PR card except the last time i came back 2 weeks ago when i was ushered through for the first time ever!:thumbup:

Re: Returning for good after landing previously
 

Dotty P, I'm in the same situation as you and I do find it unsettling. Knowing that 'in principle' all should be well still doesn't make one feel more relaxed. I think it's just a cross your fingers situation.